Following online outcry, Chris Evans and Jeremy Renner have apologized for comments made during a promotional interview for Avengers: Age of Ultron in which they described co-star Scarlett Johansson's character as a "slut" and "whore."

Both actors issued statements Thursday morning via representatives. Evans' statement reads, "Yesterday we were asked about the rumors that Black Widow wanted to be in a relationship with both Hawkeye and Captain America. We answered in a very juvenile and offensive way that rightfully angered some fans. I regret it and sincerely apologize."

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Renner, meanwhile, specifically mentioned the pressure of the promotional tour in explaining the problematic comments. "I am sorry that this tasteless joke about a fictional character offended anyone," his statement reads. "It was not meant to be serious in any way. Just poking fun during an exhausting and tedious press tour."

The actors' comments came during an interview with Digital Spy in response to a question about fans' linking Black Widow romantically with characters including Hawkeye, Captain America and the Hulk (watch the video below.) "She's a slut," Renner said, prompting Evans to add, "I was going to say something along that line, she's a complete whore. … She'll flirt with everybody, leading everybody on."

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